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45 Winter Drinks That'll Warm the Cockles of Your Heart

Where are the cockles, anyway?

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winter cocktailspinterest
Becky Lugart-Stayner

This time of the year, we tend to find ourselves craving a hot fire, a big comfortable sweater, and a warm drink in our hands. There are so many holidays throughout the colder months, festive and seasonal cocktails are a great way to celebrate the season.

With all of the holidays and chilly weather forecasts, a warm and delicious cocktail is what your get-togethers need! We’ve rounded up some of our favorites, both hot and cold, to share with friends and loved ones all winter long.

1

Traditional Wassail Recipe

traditional wassail recipe
Becky Lugart-Stayner

If you're hosting a traditional caroling party or an old-fashioned Christmas party—or simply want to taste a winter drink with a lot of history behind it—give this traditional wassail recipe a try.

Get the recipe for Traditional Wassail.

2

Easy Mulled Red Wine

easy mulled red wine
Becky Lugart-Stayner

There's nothing like a warm (and warming!) cup of spiced wine when you're in from a cold outing—whether that's an old-fashioned sleigh ride, a bout of Christmas caroling, or simply a tromp through the snow on a winter's eve.

Get the recipe for Easy Mulled Red Wine.

3

Jingle Juice Punch

jingle juice punch
Becky Lugart-Stayner

A very good Christmas party drink doesn't have to be difficult. This festive Jingle Juice punch is simple and delicious — and because it's a punch, you can mix it up and let guests serve themselves.

Get the recipe for Jingle Juice Punch.

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4

“White Christmas” Margarita

white christmas margarita
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Sweet coconut cream, fresh lime juice, and tequila combine for a drink that's as tasty as it is fun! Serve it up at your next holiday party and it's sure to become a tradition!

Get the recipe for “White Christmas” Margarita.

5

Tom and Jerry Cocktail

tom and jerry cocktail
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Attributed to British journalist Pierce Egan and dating back to the 1820s, the warm twist on an eggnog cocktail known as a Tom and Jerry hit the mainstream over a century later thanks in part to the festive punch bowl sets made throughout the 1940s–’60s by several well-known glass companies, including West Virginia-based Hazel-Atlas.

Get the recipe for Tom and Jerry Cocktail.

6

Pomegranate Margarita

pomegranate margarita
Becky Lugart-Stayner

Toast to Christmas with this bright, cheery cocktail! This classic tequila-and-lime cocktail has endless variations, but one of our favorite ways to enjoy it around the holidays is with a touch of seasonal flavor!

Get the recipe for Pomegranate Margarita.

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7

Candy Cane Champagne Cocktail

candy cane champagne cocktail
Becky Lugart-Stayner

This easy cocktail is like a set of icicle lights in a glass: It's classy, sparkly, and oh-so-Christmasy.

Get the recipe for Candy Cane Champagne Cocktail.

8

Poinsettia Cocktail

poinsettia cocktail in a glass with a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick
Becky Luigart-Stayner

We combine tart-sweet pomegranate molasses with tequila and some seasonal cinnamon and rosemary for a drink that is guaranteed to stand out at your next holiday party or winter gathering.

Get the recipe for Poinsettia Cocktail.

9

Peppermint Eggnog

peppermint eggnog in white mugs with crushed candy cane on the rim
Becky Luigart-Stayner

What's better than rich, homemade egg nog at Christmas? How about a bright, sweet cup of peppermint nog, with a splash of rum or bourbon in it? Yeah, that's better.

Get the recipe for Peppermint Eggnog.

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10

Sparkling Cider and Bourbon Cocktail

sparkling cider and bourbon cocktail in mason jars with slices of fresh apple
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This simple, four-ingredient cocktail can be served over ice or in a Champagne glass. It's a fun and flavorful way to celebrate any holiday or winter occasion!

Get the recipe for Sparkling Cider and Bourbon Cocktail.

11

Hot Buttered Rum

hot buttered rum in mugs with scoops of coconut covered ice cream
Becky Luigart-Stayner

What more warming, comforting drink is there than a classic cup of hot buttered rum? This recipe shows you how to make coconut-ice-cream "snowballs" as an extra-decadent garnish.

Get the recipe for Hot Buttered Rum.

12

Cranberry Mulled White Wine

cranberry mulled white wine in glass mugs with a slice of lemon
Becky Luigart-Stayner

If you find traditional mulled wine to be a little too heavy, try this lighter, white-wine version. Flavored with fall spice, cranberries, and a touch of honey, it's every bit as warming as its counterparts, but with a tart, clean taste.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Mulled White Wine.

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13

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

pink grapefruit margaritas in five glasses each with a slice of grapefruit and lime
Johnny Miller

If you only think of margaritas as a warm-weather drink, think again! Spicy and sometimes smoky, tequila is a great winter warmer, and citrus is in season!

Get the recipe for Pink Grapefruit Margaritas.

14

Woodchuck Warmer Apple Cider Cocktail

woodchuck warmer apple cider cocktail in glass mugs with slices of fresh apple a cinnamon stick and star anise
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This hot cocktail gets its name from an old nickname for Vermonters—where they really take their apples seriously. This comforting winter drink makes a big batch to serve a crowd.

Get the recipe for Woodchuck Warmer Apple Cider.

15

Haymaker Cocktail

haymaker cocktail in glasses with ice and lime wedges for garnish
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Combining the best parts of a Manhattan and a whiskey sour, this is a drink you'll feel all the way to your toes. Careful though, the punch it packs is no joke!

Get the recipe for Haymaker Cocktails.

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16

Slow Cooker Pear Cider

slow cooker pear cider in three mugs with cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish
Becky Luigart-Stayner

What could be more warming than fresh homemade cider? Add a splash of your favorite whiskey or brandy to turn it into a true winter cocktail.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Pear Cider.

17

Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges

hot toddy in mason jars with charred oranges and star anise
Hector M. Sanchez

Grilled (or broiled) oranges add both smoky depth and citrusy tang to this classic warming winter drink.

Get the recipe for Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges.

18

Warm Tea-and-Cider Punch

warm tea and cider punch in mugs with a slice of lemon
Brian Woodcock

This spin on a hot toddy uses apple cider for a sweeter taste. Turn any evening into an après-ski affair with a steaming pot of this stovetop tea-and-cider punch that'll warm any chilly fingers and red noses after a day out in the snow.

Get the recipe for Warm Tea-and-Cider Punch.

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19

Pomegranate French 75

pomegranate french 75 in glasses with fresh pomegranate seeds and strips of lime peel as garnish
Becky Luigart-Stayner

This wintery twist on the classic gin-and-Champagne-based cocktail uses lime juice and pomegranate molasses for seasonal effect.

Get the recipe for Pomegranate French 75.

20

Old-Fashioned Eggnog

winter cocktails old fashioned eggnog in a glass mug with spices sprinkled on top
BRIAN WOODCOCK

You can't beat a classic. This recipe for cozy homemade eggnog calls for fresh nutmeg and a pinch of salt to keep the flavor interesting.

Get the recipe for Old-Fashioned Eggnog.

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